Telugu names refer to the naming conventions used by Telugu-speaking people, primarily from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Yanam district of Puducherry. Telugu names are distinctive for their use of a "family name, given name" format, in contrast to Western naming practices where the family name often appears last.[1][2] In the Telugu naming system, the family name appears first and is followed by the given name(s), a practice also observed among Han Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Hungarian peoples.[3]
Naming Structure
editThe Telugu naming structure places the family name (or intipēru, meaning "house name") first, followed by the given name. This order contrasts with Western naming practices, which typically place the family name last. This can sometimes lead to confusion outside the Telugu-speaking regions.[2]
Family Names
editTelugu family names are often derived from a place, occupation, or historical event associated with the family. Examples include Kondaveeti (from Kondaveedu), and Kandukuri (from Kandukuru). Family names may also end with suffixes such as wada, palli (village), veedhi (street), or giri (hill). Additionally, family names may indicate an occupation, such as Vungrala ("ring maker") or Gurram ("horse"), or signify wealth, as with Kasu ("coin"), potentially referring to jewelers. Unlike in Western cultures, where family names are prominent, Telugu people are often better known by their given names.
Telugu family names are frequently abbreviated. For instance, the former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao is commonly referred to with initials for his family name and given names.
Given Names
editTelugu given names often reflect cultural and religious significance, with many derived from Hindu deities. Given names are sometimes compound words; in such cases, only the final word before the caste suffix is used in everyday address. For example, in the name "Venkata Satyanarayana Naidu," "Satyanarayana" would be used informally.
Caste Suffixes
editOccasionally, a caste suffix, such as Naidu, Sastri, Chowdary, Raju, Varma, Reddy, Yadav, Goud, Setty, or Gupta, follows the given name. In the name Devula Rama Naidu, "Devula" is the family name, "Rama" the given name, and "Naidu" the caste suffix.[4]
Cultural and Linguistic Parallels
editThe Telugu convention of placing the family name first shares similarities with the naming systems of other cultures, such as Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, and Hungarians.[3][5]
References
edit- ^ Laurie Bauer, 2007, The Linguistics Student’s Handbook, Edinburgh
- ^ a b Telugu Personal Names. Central Intelligence Agency. 1964. p. 5.
- ^ a b Brown, Charles Philip (1857). A Grammar of the Telugu Language. printed at the Christian Knowledge Society's Press. p. 209.
- ^ Bamshad, M; et al. (Jun 2001). "Origins of Indian Caste Populations". Genome Research. 11 (6): 994–1004. doi:10.1101/gr.gr-1733rr. PMC 311057. PMID 11381027.
- ^ "Japan to switch order of names in victory for tradition". Reuters. 6 September 2019.